Britney Spears, Tiger Woods and Lamar Odom are just some of the high-profile celebrities arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence so far this year.
While we are still in the first quarter of 2026, all eyes are on the Hollywood stars dealing with roadside sobriety tests.
Whether it’s doing a confident straight line strut or a wonky attempt at following an officer’s finger, the world has seen its fair share of hilarious dashcam footage from the United States.
These measures might seem rather outlandish and bizarre for those living outside America, but News.com.au has uncovered there’s a real logic behind them.
According to Ms Hendry, DUI arrests are the Highway Patrol’s “bread and butter compared to other (police) agencies”.
Having made 600 DUI arrests over the last 10 years, it’s clear the California Highway Patrol Officer has a fairly fantastic gauge of drunkenness.
“Some people can perform better than others because they’re very athletic, but that doesn’t mean that we’re not going to see those clues,” she told news.com.au.
Officers typically use three evidence-based tests to determine intoxication levels before moving to more creative methods.
First, they check for “involuntary jerking of the eye”, then ask individuals to walk nine steps back and forth and balance on one foot for 30 seconds.
Ms Hendry said reciting the alphabet test is the likely next step if further evaluation is needed.
“It’s kind of like, you’ve (lived) 30 years on earth, and you’ve done ABCs since you were three, so it kind of shows the level of intoxication there,” she said.
The legal limit for most US drivers over the age of 21 is a blood-alcohol content of 0.08 per cent; however, those who drive for work are restricted to 0.04.
In contrast, Australia matches Utah’s stricter legal requirement of less than 0.05 per cent for full licence holders.
The world’s curiosity around sobriety tests has re-emerged after footage of Tiger Woods’ most recent arrest was released.
Videos show the golfing legend performing various sobriety tests before allegedly calling Donald Trump.
This came after his SUV rolled over after hitting another vehicle in Florida last month.
He has since been charged with driving under the influence, property damage and refusing a lawful (urine analysis) test.
Officer Hendry told News.com.au that while field tests can be refused, individuals are required to comply with blood, urine or breath tests once a formal arrest has been made.
The sporting celebrity took to social media to share that he is seeking treatment.
While these celebrity incidents make for viral viewing, the underlying reality illustrates that no one is immune to rigorous, science-backed roadside safety measures.
